Protection of employees; coercion or threat based on immigration status, civil penalty.

This legislation strengthens protections for workers by prohibiting employers from threatening, coercing, or intimidating employees based on their actual or perceived immigration status. Under this bill, it is illegal for an employer to use a worker's immigration status—or the threat of reporting that status to federal authorities—as a tool for retaliation or leverage in labor disputes. Employers found violating these protections face significant civil penalties, providing a stronger legal deterrent against workplace exploitation. For Arlington’s diverse workforce, this measure serves to reduce vulnerability among immigrant employees and ensures that workplace safety and labor rights are upheld regardless of legal status. By curbing coercive tactics, the bill aims to create a more equitable environment where all employees can report labor violations without fear of deportation.